Film Case Studies

What this unit covers

This unit sits in the Film Language and Analysis strand of Photography and film. Each resource looks at a specific film and how it creates meaning. Most are mind maps, and they break films down into mise-en-scene, cinematography, sound, editing, setting, props and symbolism.

Films with the most material

Several films get more than one resource. Pan's Labyrinth has maps on mise-en-scene, sound, editing, and cinematography and lighting, plus a slide set analysing the Pale Man scene. The first map notes props such as the key, Ofelia's book and the watch, and the two main settings. Vertigo has several revision maps, a general quiz and a deck of basic facts. The opening titles map looks at spiral visuals and symbolism. Run Lola Run, City of God and American Beauty also have multiple maps.

Where to start

1. Choose one film you are studying and open its main mind map for an overview.
2. Move to the focused maps, such as editing or sound, to see how one element shapes meaning.
3. Use the flashcards to fix key facts and terms.
4. Finish with a quiz, such as the Vertigo general quiz, and note what you missed.

Using maps and quizzes together

A map shows how ideas connect: for example, the microphone as a symbol in The Kings Speech, or the low angle shot in the La Haine zoo scene. A quiz then checks whether you can recall those points without looking. Go back to the map for anything you got wrong.

Some maps are essay plans, such as those for The GodFather and Schindlers list. They are useful for seeing how an argument can be organised for A-level Film Studies, which the listed resources mention. Teachers can use them as starting points for class discussion.

Make it your own

All of these resources were made by GoConqr users. Open one, compare it with your own notes, then try making a map for a film that is not covered yet.